Bullying

1. Bullying Today bullying is a widespread issue as the internet has made the world a much smaller place. Bullying can affect a person in many ways, such as educationally, professionally and psychologically.

2. Facts • Such as those who are smarter, are considered “Nerds”. This in turn affects the victim’s self-confidence and makes them unable to study well, causing them to dislike school. As a result they will gain less academic performance and low educational attainment

3. Facts • With repeated bullying, it affects the individual even more as they might see all types of people this way because they are relatively powerless to defend themselves. This type of behavior sets them up for hopelessness and depression

4. Facts • Bullied children are more exposed to psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, loss of self-esteem and loneliness. The problem is that some individuals don’t report and they will continue to remain silent, quiet and scared. Without notifying anyone, they will begin to go down a path of hopelessness and might even turn to taking their own life.

5. Should bullying be considered a crime? • I believe bullying should be considered a crime because what constitutes harassment is the act of unwanted behavior, speech, or writing directed toward the individual. It also includes intimidation, control, misuse of power, and the attempt to deny equality to others (Steineger). I view bullying as an act that violates this.

6. Bullying Case • -Phoebe Prince, a high school freshman, hanged herself from a stairwell in her home • -police concluded that in the three months before her death, a small group of classmates had relentlessly bullied the 15-year-old. • -The most serious charge carried a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Two years later, none of the six had gone to trial. • -Theystruck plea deals on lesser misdemeanor charges for probation and community service

7. Imagine • Imagine you had a brother or sister and they were bullied. You would try to protect them. However if they got raped and decided to take their own life because the pain of living is too much, would you stand for probation and community service of the offenders?

8. Laws • The problem with the system is that there are many flaws. • Lawmakers should create a detailed definition of bullying so there is no confusion. • Lawmakers should also create certain degrees of bullying. That way it sorts the minor to severe cases. • Not all types of bullying is the same. Each act has a different measure to someone, all of these may pile up and one day the victim may fall to it.

9. Conclusion • Bullying in my opinion should be considered a crime. • If bullying can affect a person in these aspects why shouldn't’t it be a crime. It violates certain harassment laws and those are punishable by law. • If an offender does considerable damage to a person and he or she takes their own life, isn’t it worth more than probation. • It acts as a deterrent and isn’t it better to save the certain few from anxiety, depression, and or death.